SPECIAL MAMMAL: CUVIER’S HUTIA

Funding through the Darwin Initiative has allowed Société Audubon Haïti to take a closer look at one of two endemic land mammals that still occur on the island – Plagiodontia aedium or “zagouti” in the local vernacular.  This medium-sized rodent resides in limestone rock crevices and is mostly found in the remaining patches of mid- to high-elevation broad-leaved forest.  It is a conservation focus since its habitat in Haiti is rapidly being eliminated and introduced predators, especially dogs, have made the species vulnerable to becoming extinct in the country.  The challenge to convince farmers that such an endemic mammal should be conserved while it is eating their cash crops is difficult, but not impossible!